Opinion
3 min read

Can UTEP Miners Ignite at Liberty Arena Against the Flames?

As the University of Texas at El Paso Miners prepare to face off against the Liberty Flames in an anticipated clash at Liberty Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can carry forward their offensive prowess showcased in recent games. The Miners have been on a rollercoaster this season, with performances that have both thrilled and frustrated their loyal supporters.


Feb 3, 2024; El Paso, Texas, USA; UTEP Miners guard Corey Camper Jr. (4) goes for a layup against the Liberty University Flames defense in the second half at Don Haskins Center. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports

In their last outing on February 17 against Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, the Miners displayed a tenacious spirit but fell short in a high-scoring double-overtime thriller, 90-96. Despite the loss, there were positives to take away; UTEP's offense was firing on all cylinders as they racked up 90 points with an impressive 84 percent from the free-throw line and forced 27 points off turnovers. However, defensive lapses allowed MTU to capitalize with a staggering 58 percent from beyond the arc.


Prior to that game, on February 16 against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, UTEP showed resilience by scoring evenly across both halves for a total of 80 points. Their fast-break execution was notable with 17 points scored in transition. Yet again though, defense proved to be their Achilles' heel as WKU shot an efficient 57 percent from the field.


Feb 3, 2024; El Paso, Texas, USA; Liberty University Flames guard Joseph Venzant (23) gets in position to play defenses against the UTEP Miners in the first half at Don Haskins Center. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports

The most telling performance came during their home stand-off against New Mexico State Aggies on February 11 where UTEP emerged victorious with a score of 74-49. The defense shined by limiting NMSU to just ten percent from three-point range and outrebounding them significantly – grabbing an impressive total of 48 rebounds compared to NMSU's modest count of 33.


Looking ahead at the upcoming game scheduled for March second at six PM Central Time in Lynchburg's Liberty Arena – it is evident that if UTEP wishes to emerge victorious once more they must tighten up defensively while maintaining their offensive efficiency. The Flames will not make it easy; they are known for being formidable opponents within their own stronghold.


UTEP fans should expect another intense battle where every possession will count. It is crucial for players like Souley Boum and Bryson Williams who have consistently contributed significant numbers this season – both in scoring and rebounding –to step up once again when facing LIB’s robust lineup.


The upcoming game promises excitement and will test whether UTEP can harness its potential into consistent performance throughout forty minutes of playtime or if defensive vulnerabilities will continue haunting them when facing strong opposition like LIB.


Fans looking forward not only to witnessing but also supporting Miners can catch all action live via ESPN+ internet broadcast network come March second evening.

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